Pakistan, Oct. 2 -- On Wednesday, Israeli troops initiated a significant operation targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy aiming to provide assistance to Gaza, resulting in the arrest of approximately 200 individuals, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed.
As per the flotilla organizers, the detained individuals come from 37 different nations, including Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Malaysia. Even with the large-scale arrests, the mission is ongoing, as over 30 civilian vessels continue to travel across the Mediterranean in an effort to overcome Israel's maritime embargo on Gaza.
Footage captured on board the ship Alma, broadcast by Al Jazeera, showed activists donning life vests as they waited to be intercepted. Subsequently, videos shared on social media featured passengers stating they had been taken to Israel against their wishes. The convoy, which included supplies such as food and medical items, comprised more than 40 vessels and almost 500 individuals, among them legal professionals, politicians, and advocates for human rights.
The Israeli defense forces stated that their navy intercepted 13 vessels within a region they referred to as a "battlefield," moving the captured individuals to Israeli harbors. A video shared by Israel's foreign ministry depicted Greta Thunberg surrounded by military personnel on a ship's deck, with officials later stating that all passengers were "safe and in good condition."
The operation has led to extensive criticism and diplomatic consequences. Turkey described the interception as an "act of terrorism," while spontaneous demonstrations erupted in Italy. Colombian President Gustavo Petro took a stronger stance, expelling Israel's entire diplomatic team after two Colombian citizens were arrested, and declared the end of the free trade agreement with Israel. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also criticized the raid, stating that Israel had demonstrated "complete disregard" for humanity by obstructing humanitarian assistance.
Read More: Colombia Removes Israeli Diplomats Due to Gaza Flotilla Incident
Activists alleged that Israeli forces employed harsh methods, such as water jets, and even tried to capsize one of the flotilla's vessels, although Israel has not addressed these allegations. Organizers described the raid as a "war crime" and promised to keep going ahead.
The event brings to mind previous efforts to oppose Israel's naval restrictions. In 2010, nine activists lost their lives when Israeli troops boarded a convoy en route to Gaza. More recently, in June of this year, Greta Thunberg was among those temporarily held by Israeli authorities during a smaller sea-based demonstration.
Israel has imposed a naval embargo on Gaza since 2007, claiming it is essential to stop arms from reaching Hamas. However, opponents, including United Nations representatives, argue that stopping aid missions in international waters breaches international law.
The most recent operation has further increased tensions, as demonstrations have emerged in several nations and global pressure is growing on Israel to permit immediate humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza. Over 65,000 individuals have died in the region since the conflict started in October 2023, as reported by health officials in the area.
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